Tiger Foods, a prominent player in Nigeria’s food industry, reflects on its journey intertwined with the legacies of Mr Bigg’s and UTC bakery. Despite facing significant challenges, Tiger Foods remains resilient in its pursuit of excellence.
Founded in the humble ’90s, Tiger Foods made waves with its innovative product, the ogbenga Tiger Nutmeg blended powder. This unique blend, incorporating Nutmeg, Ehuru, Clove, and other spices, gained traction in the vibrant retail markets across southern Nigeria, notably in Lagos and Abuja.
Understanding the importance of packaging for regulatory compliance, Tiger Foods invested in a striking seven-color cylinder print for its 500g pouches from VeePee Industries, setting a new standard in product presentation.
The pivotal moment came when UTC bakery embraced Tiger Foods’ Ebu-Tiger Nutmeg powder for their bread, paving the way for wider acceptance. Leveraging UTC’s endorsement, Tiger Foods successfully persuaded Mr Bigg’s, then a burgeoning franchise with limited branches, to adopt their innovative blend.
With Mr Bigg’s onboard, Tiger Foods gained credibility, attracting other bakers from regions like Aba, Enugu, Onitsha, Benin, and beyond. Overcoming skepticism about Onitsha’s culinary reputation, Tiger Foods showcased its product at the Lagos international trade fair, dispelling doubts with evidence of reputable purchases from UAC and UTC.
The rigorous clinical testing required by UAC and UTC bolstered confidence in Tiger Foods’ product, encouraging others to follow suit. This marked a significant milestone for Tiger Foods Limited, underscoring its commitment to quality and resilience in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on its journey, Tiger Foods acknowledges the challenges encountered but remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional products to consumers across Nigeria.
Celestine Ebubeogu